The cheapest buses from Madrid to Bilbao

Showing times and prices for Sep 23

Cheapest

$40

Average

$45

The best way to find a cheap fare is to book your ticket as far in advance as you can and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Madrid to Bilbao will cost around $ 45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $ 40.

Cheapest
05:30PMMadrid4h30 10:00PMBilbao
0 changes
$401One-way
Cheapest
11:15AMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T44h30 03:45PMBilbao
0 changes
$401One-way
Cheapest
07:15PMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T44h30 11:45PMBilbao
0 changes
$401One-way
Cheapest
11:00AMMadrid4h45 03:45PMBilbao
0 changes
$401One-way
Cheapest
07:00PMMadrid4h45 11:45PMBilbao
0 changes
$401One-way

Timetable Madrid to Bilbao

Showing buses for tomorrow, Thu, Sep 23
12:30AMMadrid20h00 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
12:30AMMadrid20h00 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
12:45AMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T419h45 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
07:00AMMadrid5h00 12:00PMBilbao
0 changes
07:00AMMadrid13h30 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
07:15AMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T413h15 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
07:15AMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T44h45 12:00PMBilbao
0 changes
07:30AMMadrid13h00 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
07:45AMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T412h45 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
08:00AMMadrid, Estación Sur6h45 02:45PMBilbao
0 changes
08:00AMMadrid12h30 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
08:15AMMadrid12h15 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
08:15AMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T412h15 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
08:15AMMadrid12h15 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
08:15AMMadrid6h30 02:45PMBilbao
0 changes
09:00AMMadrid4h10 01:10PMBilbao
0 changes
10:00AMMadrid4h40 02:40PMBilbao
0 changes
10:30AMMadrid10h00 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
10:45AMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T49h45 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
11:00AMMadrid4h45 03:45PMBilbao
0 changes
11:00AMMadrid9h30 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
11:15AMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T44h30 03:45PMBilbao
0 changes
11:45AMMadrid9h45 09:30PMBilbao
0 changes
01:00PMMadrid, Estación Sur7h20 08:20PMBilbao
0 changes
01:00PMMadrid7h30 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
01:15PMMadrid8h15 09:30PMBilbao
0 changes
01:15PMMadrid7h05 08:20PMBilbao
0 changes
01:15PMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T47h15 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
02:00PMMadrid4h45 06:45PMBilbao
0 changes
03:00PMMadrid5h30 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
03:00PMMadrid, Estación Sur5h15 08:15PMBilbao
0 changes
03:00PMMadrid4h10 07:10PMBilbao
0 changes
03:15PMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T45h15 08:30PMBilbao
0 changes
03:30PMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T44h45 08:15PMBilbao
0 changes
04:00PMMadrid5h30 09:30PMBilbao
0 changes
04:00PMMadrid4h45 08:45PMBilbao
0 changes
05:30PMMadrid4h30 10:00PMBilbao
0 changes
07:00PMMadrid4h45 11:45PMBilbao
0 changes
07:15PMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T44h30 11:45PMBilbao
0 changes

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

COMPARE Prices across different modes

Wed
Sep 22
$57Renfe
$40Alsa
$613Air Europa
Thu
Sep 23
$57Renfe
$40Alsa
$98Air Europa
Fri
Sep 24
$57Renfe
$40Alsa
$98Air Europa
Sat
Sep 25
$57Renfe
$40Alsa
$55Air Europa
Sun
Sep 26
$84Renfe
$40Alsa
$98Air Europa
Mon
Sep 27
$57Renfe
$40Alsa
$173Air Europa
Tue
Sep 28
$44Renfe
$40Alsa
$55Air Europa
Wed
Sep 29
$44Renfe
$40Alsa
$55Air Europa
Thu
Sep 30
$57Renfe
$40Alsa
$42Iberia
Fri
Oct 1
$57Renfe
Find prices
Find prices
Sat
Oct 2
$51Renfe
$40Alsa
$42Air Europa
Sun
Oct 3
$57Renfe
Find prices
Find prices
Mon
Oct 4
$44Renfe
$40Alsa
$98Air Europa
Tue
Oct 5
$25Renfe
Find prices
Find prices
Wed
Oct 6
$38Renfe
$40Alsa
$42Iberia
Thu
Oct 7
$44Renfe
$40Alsa
$42Air Europa
Fri
Oct 8
$57Renfe
$40Alsa
$55Air Europa
Sat
Oct 9
$57Renfe
$40Alsa
$98Air Europa
Sun
Oct 10
$57Renfe
$40Alsa
$42Air Europa
Mon
Oct 11
$44Renfe
$40Alsa
$67Iberia
Tue
Oct 12
$57Renfe
$40Alsa
$42Air Europa

The fastest buses from Madrid to Bilbao

Showing times and prices for Sep 23

Fastest Journey

4 h 10 m

Average

8 h 31 m

Buses per day

39

Distance

323 km

Of the 39 buses that leave Madrid for Bilbao every day 14 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 323 km distance in an average of 8 h 31 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .

The slowest buses will take 20 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Fastest
09:00AMMadrid4h10 01:10PMBilbao
0 changes
$541One-way
Fastest
03:00PMMadrid4h10 07:10PMBilbao
0 changes
$551One-way
2nd Fastest
05:30PMMadrid4h30 10:00PMBilbao
0 changes
$401One-way
2nd Fastest
11:15AMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T44h30 03:45PMBilbao
0 changes
$401One-way
2nd Fastest
07:15PMMadrid, Aeropuerto Barajas T44h30 11:45PMBilbao
0 changes
$401One-way

These companies trust us. We sell their tickets all in one place.

Alsa
Eurolines France
RegioJet
Bla Bla Bus
Accommodation

Need a place to stay?

view on map
Top pick hotels
Entire homes & apartments

Find the best accommodation for you, with our partner Booking.com

View all

Bus Information from Madrid to Bilbao

distanceDistance200 miles (322 km)
durationAverage bus duration4 h 30 min
priceAverage bus ticket price$40 (€32)
changesDirect busYes
carriersBus providersAlsa, Alsa Premium, Alsa Supra, Eurolines Switzerland or Flixbus

Buses from Madrid to Bilbao cover the 200 miles (322 km) long journey taking on average 4 h 30 min with our travel partners like Alsa, Alsa Premium, Alsa Supra, Eurolines Switzerland or Flixbus. There are direct bus services available. While the average ticket price for this journey costs around $40 (€32), you can find the cheapest bus ticket for as low as $40 (€32). Travelers depart most frequently from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha and arrive in Bilbao, Zorroza.

Bus companies

Madrid to Bilbao with Alsa and FlixBus

Buy your official Alsa and FlixBus bus tickets between Madrid and Bilbao from $40 (€32) with Omio. Find bus times and tickets for over 1000 travel companies to compare and book the most convenient trip.

Alsa
FlixBus

One of the easiest ways to travel from Madrid to Bilbao is by taking a bus with Alsa. As the main provider for bus travel in Spain with a plethora of national and regional routes, Alsa transports more than 300 million passengers per year. You can find Alsa bus schedules and tickets for Madrid to Bilbao quickly on Omio and book cheap bus tickets online. Madrid is around 200 miles (322 km) away from Bilbao by bus and the cheapest Alba bus from Madrid to Bilbao starts at $40 (€32).

Alsa’s premium services offer one of the most comfortable travel experiences at a budget price. Apart from the Standard ticket, Alsa offers other bus tickets like Minimum, Reduced and Flexible fares on select routes. Along with all the routes covered by Alsa Normal buses, which include basic services like restrooms, free WiFi access, footrests and onboard entertainment, the bus company has other types of buses like the Alsa Supra, Alsa Eurobus and Alsa Premium, which provide more luxurious services depending on the specific route.

When purchasing your Alsa bus tickets from Madrid to Bilbao, keep the following coronavirus related policies and recommendations in mind outlined by our travel partner:

  • Normal conditions apply
  • Cashless payments recommended
  • Online booking and check-in recommended
Learn more about Alsa

Buses from Madrid to Bilbao

Buses in Spain are an affordable way to travel between cities. A number of bus companies offer domestic and international routes. Buses from Madrid to Bilbao are operated by Spanish provider, ALSA with up to 20 departures a day. The first bus leaves in the early hours of the morning, while the last departure at around 8:30 p.m. Buses from Madrid to Bilbao require a journey time of approximately 4 hours.

Madrid to Bilbao buses: Not what you're looking for?

Return buses from Bilbao to Madrid | Compare all modes of traveling from Madrid to Bilbao | Or learn more about buses to Bilbao


Madrid to Bilbao Bus Cost

Average prices for buses from Madrid to Bilbao when you book in advance

Booking Period

Average Price

Same Day

€31

1 Day in Advance

€31

1 Week in Advance

€31

2 Weeks in Advance

€31

1 Month in Advance

€31

3 Months in Advance

€31

Madrid to Bilbao Buses: General Information


While taking a bus is slower than both and train it is significantly cheaper and can take as little as 4 hours to arrive in Bilbao.

  • autobus All Madrid to Bilbao buses are run by ALSA.
  • autobus Most buses are direct, depart from Madrid's Intercam Av. America bus station and arrive at Bilbao bus station.
  • autobus Traveling from Madrid to Bilbao by bus takes as little as 4 hours and 5 minutes to arrive in Bilbao.
  • autobus Most travelers book their Madrid to Bilbao bus ticket 1 day in advance of the travel date.

Taking the Bus from Madrid

Buses from Madrid to Bilbao leave from the Intercambiador de Transporte bus station, located on Avenida de America, which has good local transport links by bus and metro to the rest of the city and the suburbs. Madrid's efficient and extensive transport network is supplemented by regular night bus routes. Taxis are also available at the bus station.

Getting into Madrid by Bus

Bilbao is a bustling port and the capital of Vizcaya in the Basque Region of Northern Spain and is situated on the tidal Nervión River. Bilbao enjoys a mild climate, more temperate than much of Spain and has become increasingly popular, with visitors enjoying the art and architecture of the modernist Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. Other attractions are the Basque Museum and La Ria Maritime Museum. Bilbao's Old Town, or Casco Viejo, has seven streets full of interesting shops and cafes. Buses from Madrid to Bilbao arrive at the TermiBus Station, which is linked by tram to central Bilbao. Bilbao has plenty of public transport options, including a Metro line, frequent Bilbobus City buses, one EuskoTran tram line, and the BizkaiBus service which covers surrounding regions and coastal towns. Bilbao has a weekend night bus service, while taxis are also available at the station.

Travel Tips

Buses from Madrid to Bilbao
Take the bus to Bilbao easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Madrid to Bilbao.
FAQs
How much does a cheap bus from Madrid to Bilbao cost?
Omio customers have found the cheapest buses from Madrid to Bilbao to cost as little as $40 (€32)  in the next 7 days.
What is the price of a bus ticket to Bilbao from Madrid?
The bus price to Bilbao from Madrid is on average $40 (€32)  if you are looking to buy your tickets for this route in the next 7 days.
How far is it from Madrid to Bilbao by bus?
The bus distance from Madrid to Bilbao is around 200 miles (322 km).
How long is a bus from Madrid to Bilbao on average?
The bus time to Bilbao from Madrid is on average 4 h 30 min  for the 200 miles (322 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between Madrid and Bilbao by bus can vary depending on specific dates or traveling on weekends and holidays.
What station does the bus from Madrid to Bilbao depart from? Which Bilbao bus station do I come into from Madrid?

When taking the bus to Bilbao from Madrid, you can choose to depart from bus stations like Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 83, Madrid, Estación de Moncloa and Madrid, Méndez Álvaro - Terminal. Your trip can end in bus stations such as Bilbao, Zorroza, Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses and Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses.

Omio customers who travel this route most frequently depart from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha   and arrive in Bilbao, Zorroza.

Where do I find the Madrid bus station to Bilbao? Where is the Bilbao bus station?

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha, which is located around 1 mile (s) / 1 km away from the city center, and they get off the bus at Bilbao, Zorroza, located 2 mile (s) / 4 km away from the city center.

Which bus companies can take me between Madrid and Bilbao?
When taking a bus from Madrid to Bilbao, you can count on Alsa, Alsa Premium, Alsa Supra, Eurolines Switzerland or Flixbus for the best way to get you to Bilbao. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service to Bilbao from Madrid and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Can I purchase a direct bus from Madrid to Bilbao?
If you’re looking for a direct bus, consider traveling with Alsa or Alsa Supra. Nonstop bus services tend to offer more convenience and save you time getting you to your destination, so it's worth paying attention to this when booking your bus tickets.
When does the first bus depart from Madrid to Bilbao? When does the last bus depart from Madrid to Bilbao?
The earliest bus for this trip departs from Madrid at 5: 00 AM. The last bus leaves from Madrid at 5: 15 PM. Check Omio for the latest bus schedule from Madrid to Bilbao and book the best time to depart on your chosen travel date.
How early should I buy bus tickets between Madrid and Bilbao to score the best deals?
You can find buses to Bilbao from Madrid to cost on average $40 (€32) one way if you book within the next 7 days. But we recommend buying bus tickets in advance to score the best deals and save money on your trip. You’ll see tickets for the Madrid to Bilbao bus generally on sale a few months before the planned travel date.
Stations

Important Stations and Airports for this Journey

Madrid
Bilbao
Madrid America
Amenities
Madrid Est. Sur
Amenities
Refreshments
WC

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the bus station and what is the best way to get there?
This station is not located in the city centre but it can be reached by public transport.<br>Metro lines 6<br>Bus lines 8, 102, 113, 148, 152, 156, N11<br>Suburban train lines C1, C5, C7, C10